If you didn't read: I own an Note II GT-N7100, not my first Crapsung, but surely it's my last one.
Samsung stated will not update the GT-N7100 to Android "L", only to 4.4.2, maybe to 4.4.4 not more, while actually the note 2 hardware fully support Android "L", this is obvious policy of "anticipated obsolescence".
Carrier delay in updates don't use to extend more than 2 month and it's due they need to check the update it's compatible with all the bloatware they installed.
Yes android has nfc payments from a while, but very few merchants accept Google Checkout or the previously known as ISIS, apple pay it cheaper indeed and from star a large number of popular merchants will accept it.
Last year samsung delayed update from 4.1.2 to 4.2 then they skipped 4.2 and finally near 9 months before 4.2 update they released 4.3, BUT NOT THE SAME UPDATE AS ON THE NOTE 3, but a simplified one, w/o features they could bring for free to the note 2 as the S-Pen menu just to name one, this is anticipated obsolescence policy, while right now Appe is updating the iPhone 4s to iOS 8 with most of its features except those not supported by the hardware.
No sir, if some day I'll get another android will never be a samsung, actually I own an HTC ONE M8 purchased from T-Mobile then I installed the Google Play Edition ROM, now I have a phone that will update to Android "L" automatically as soon it's available, samsung last and final GPe Android it's an S4, they blame the GPe for the slow S5 sales, why? Simple they bet on anticipated obsolescence to push sales.
If you want an Android Ok you won't have things such hand of, or being capable to respond calls from your pc speakers or send sms from your pc or simply have the hardest recovery or "remote fuse" system, it's OK you're free but consider stay away Crapsung, there are better alternatives at Android less frustrating.